November 21, 2023 - Why do volunteer firefighters do what they do? That is a question that can be answered many different ways, but here’s a few examples of what members get out of being part of a volunteer fire department.
Each time a call is resolved where a persons life or property was saved, it brings those who put in the work a strong sense of satisfaction. To know that when duty called, it’s your phone that rang and you didn’t hesitate to answer. You went out of your way to help someone, even though it was a potentially dangerous situation to your own life. At the end of the day it’s not about the hours put in or the pay, but what you were able to accomplish for the benefit of your community.
Volunteer firefighters are always learning new skills through various training programs that they can use on or off the job. Learning the proper way to use tools like “the jaws” and other fire apparatus first hand. These skills are not exclusive to firefighting but also include first aid, where members learn life saving techniques such as CPR. AEDs and various other first aid tools are also in the metaphorical utility belt of many volunteers.
Another draw to volunteer firefighting is the relationship you build with your fellow members. It goes beyond the typical acquaintanceship people find in a normal workplace, mostly due to the manner of work that firefighters can face. When you’re the nozzle man on a hose line going toward a burning building it’s good to know that the people behind you have got your back both literally and figuratively. The members that you serve the community with become an extension of your family and you, theirs.
In conclusion, being part of a volunteer fire department can be a very rewarding experience for those who love their community and don’t mind getting their hands dirty to protect it. If you are in a position to volunteer for your community’s fire department and it sounds like something that interests you, don’t hesitate to ask how to join.
As for the Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department, we will have a recruitment booth set up during the Christmas Festival on the square in Joaquin on Saturday, December 2nd. We are looking for applicants from all corners of the community from FM 699, to Tenaha Creek on FM 139, and Flat Fork Creek on Highway 7 East, but living within the service area is not required to join.
With that, this edition of the report will come to a close. The Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department hopes everyone has a great and safe week going forward.
